THE WITNESS. Caleb. January 9, Blessings,

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1 THE WITNESS The purpose of Eastminster Presbyterian Church is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all. EPC Mission Statement ~ Adopted by Session 2011 January 9, We are now officially in the Year 2013 and as most of us look forward to this New Year we probably are peering through lenses of caution. How else should we be looking? Given the state of our economy and the character of our government s leadership, it would be foolish to look through any other lens. But there are some who have stepped into the year and declared it something special regardless of the reasonable expectations of a change for the better. But it seems these declarations change depending on where you might be. For instance if you are from China this is the Year of Water Snake, and it is to be a year where all things will be possible. Saving money and being thrifty should be top priorities but delusion and deception are common in the year of Water Snake. To gain the greatest benefits from this year, I understand one must control spending and use talents wisely. If planning to get married or beginning a business partnership, one must be sure to thoroughly investigate the other person's finances and background before you legalize the alliance. If you are in Hong Kong you know it has been declared the Year of the Phablet. This phablet is the cross between the cell phone and the tablet. It is suppose to take the world by storm. But, if you are from Canada you have heard that 2013 has been declared the Year of the Korean War Veteran. Canadians believe these war heroes should be finally recognized. If you live in Brazil you know that their soybean production is expected to surpass that of the US so it has been declared the Year of the Soybean. But it is not all good. Those in South Africa see that there is no indication of improvement in the areas of poverty, unemployment, or inequity, so 2013 is being called the Year of Mediocrity. I for one have declared it the Year of Plan B, because so many good plans for so many people have become just a dream and it has become necessary to go to Plan B will be no different. The good news is that no matter how you might feel about the leaders of government or your prospects of a better year in 2013, we can all take comfort in the fact that above all else, 2013 is and will continue to be a year held in the providential hands of a loving God. It is a familiar saying but it is true: we may not know what the year holds, but we do know Who it is that holds the year. The year for sure will bring things unexpected and new, but the God who never changes promises us that he will never leave us or forsake us. On a sad note we know that Eastminster will be saying goodbye to a favorite son. Robert Thomson has decided to pursue a call into the parish ministry and he will be exploring for just the church God is calling him to serve in the future. Our prayers will be with him and we will continue to offer our love and blessings as we eagerly await his call. Just know that we will have opportunities to offer Robert our expressions of love in the coming weeks. May 2013 be a Year of Promise for Robert and his ministry. Blessings, Caleb

2 Save the Date - Sunday, March 10 It has been a few years since our Church has participated, but Eastminster will be participating in the Hunger Walk/Run benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community and challenge yourself to improve your health by walking. (Sounds like a terrific New Year s Resolution.) Rick Adle will have charts to track your miles and pledges, and promises terrific prizes for most miles, money raised, youngest walker and most senior participant. This event is sponsored by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Please visit for more information. Thanks! I want to thank my wonderful Eastminster family for all their generosity, and I am grateful and blessed that I have been accepted with open arms and hearts into your family. Notice: The Church Office will be closed on January 21 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Susie February Birthdays 1 Matt Conaway Soon-Ok Oh Madison Peters 4 Ron Hickes Lynn Maxwell 5 Leon Collins 6 Mary Acosta Sammy Meers 7 Emily Bunce 8 Alex Aycock Kinley Gall 9 William Fleck Brian Swinkola 10 Caroline Alff Nicholas Frank 12 Robert Agocs Carson Nix 13 Holly Eaton 15 Carl Heckman 16 Deborah Abraham Chris Smethers Andrea Vincent 17 Rose Marie Wells 18 Shellie Bunce Chip Carpenter Leah McCulloh Mallory Quillian 20 David Deal Joe Evans Pat Sully 21 Kevin Carmichael 22 Christy Howard 24 Ruth Sullivan 25 Callie Adams 28 Cathy McCoy

3 PAGE 3 New year, save the date Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 2. Presbyterian Women at EPC will be hosting another annual winter retreat featuring Dana Hughes as our keynote speaker. Her topic will be "Spirituality and Gardening". Her message will revolve around the book "Like a Garden" by Sara Covin Juengst. We will begin at 9 A.M. with coffee and continental breakfast and conclude following a pot luck salad lunch at approximately 2 P.M. Invite your neighbors and friends for this memorable occasion. Contact Mardee to purchase a book and the church office or your Circle Moderator to RSVP. Note: If your college student graduated or has a new address, please contact the Church Office. Caring Tree th anniversary - success! What a memorable Sunday in EPC's history! It was heartwarming to observe so many volunteers in our gym sorting, checking, wrapping, filling bags, serving lunch, etc. There were gifts delivered to 20 nursing home residents, 20 families, and 23 Burmese children. Kudos to everyone planning, organizing, and executing this year's project. Our Preschool, After-School, Girl Scout Troop #1245, and Boy Scout Troop #876 also assisted with our efforts this year. It's always a blessing that so many wish to share the spirit of Christmas with others in our community. Outreach Committee Cupid s aim: college students and beyond Eastminster wishes to demonstrate how deeply we care for our college students and others associated with our church. We remember them monthly with seasonal cards and on Valentine's Day with shoe boxes filled with surprises. Donations of candy, granola bars, microwave popcorn, cocoa mix, signed cards, etc. should be brought to the church by February 3 (containers are located in the narthex, church office, and preschool entrance). We hope you will come assist us as we pack 43 shoe boxes on February 6 at 9:30 a.m.

4 Monday, January 14, Out to lunch bunch Come and join us in January! El Torero on Rockbridge Road Thursday, January 24, 10:30-12:30 Adult Center Monday, January 28, 9:30-1:00 From the Manger to the Mountaintop Brunch and Bible study We will explore three events of significance on the liturgical calendar for January/February: Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord and Transfiguration. Bring a brunch item to share. Tour the Historic Fox Theater Have you ever wondered how the Fox Theatre got its nickname the Fabulous Fox? Join The Atlanta Preservation Center for a 90-minute tour of the interior of this fabulous structure. Learn about the Middle Eastern and Egyptian designs that create a dreamlike spectacle of grandeur. Experience the beauty and ambiance of one of the best preserved 1920s movie palaces in existence which began its life as a Masonic Temple. Sunday February 10, 4 pm -7 pm, Service of Evensong And in February! St. Luke's Episcopal Church OASIS is personally invited to a 5 o'clock Service of Evensong at St. Luke's Episcopal Church (we enjoyed the stained glass tour in May). The sanctuary will be adorned with candlelight, led by the St. Luke's choir, and a restive reception following. Please make a reservation with the church office. Monday, February 11, Out to lunch bunch Thursday, February 21, 10:30-12:30 Adult Center Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker Biblical Relics and Treasures Brunch and program Michael C. Morgan, Columbia Seminary organist and Central Pres organist maintains an extensive collection of manuscripts, Bibles, Psalters and music from the Middle Ages forward. Michael will share a substantial part of his collection with us, and share his wealth of information. Bring a brunch item to share.

5 PAGE 5 Wednesday Night Programs January 16 Weeping and Dry Bones Jeremiah & Ezekiel were two of God s prophets who foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. How is their message relevant for us today? Is there any good news? January 23 Faith in Exile Daniel and his friends remain true to their faith in God. What does it mean to hear these words from God while still in exile: For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future January 30 Temple Building The people return to Jerusalem and begin to rebuild the temple. Haggai and Zechariah shared this message: the temple is important but it s a sign and symbol of something greater coming. Are we called to be temple dwellers or something else? February 6 The Feast of Purim Esther and Mordecai are honored and celebrated in this annual Jewish Festival (which this year occurs sunset Feb. 23- to sunset Feb. 24). What do we as Christians have to learn and celebrate in this honored story? February 13 Ash Wednesday Worship Service Found: Lady s sunglasses Blood drive The next blood drive will be Sunday, February 17 from 8:30-1:00 in the blood mobile van (church parking lot).

6 THE WITNESS IS A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5801 Hugh Howell Road Stone Mountain, GA eastminsterpres@yahoo.com Contact: Paula McGill Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 45 Stone Mtn. GA PHONE NUMBERS Church Office: Fax: Preschool: School Age Program: DEADLINES Newsletter ~ 5 p.m. Thursday, January 31 Sunday Bulletin ~ Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Church Staff Pastor ~ Rev. J. Caleb Clarke III Director of Family Ministries ~ Mark Sauls Director of Christian Education ~ Mardee Rightmyer Director of School Age Program ~ Celeste Sears Director of Preschool ~ Sarah Baldwin Secretary ~ Paula McGill Financial Coordinator ~ Jan Zabarac